MLS Decision Day saw Nashville SC, St. Louis CITY, Portland Timbers, Minnesota and Real Salt Lake record victories with playoff implications.
St. Louis CITY secures third in the West
St. Louis CITY beat Houston Dynamo 1–0 at Shell Energy Stadium to secure third place in the Western Conference heading into the playoffs. St. Louis CITY will face LAFC in Round One.
Portland Timbers go straight to Round One
Kristoffer Velde scored in the 70th minute as Portland Timbers beat Austin FC and clinched a playoff spot. Portland Timbers avoided the wild card match and secured seventh in the West. They will face FC Dallas in the Round One best-of-three series.
Nashville SC and Minnesota take contrasting paths
Nashville SC beat FC Cincinnati 2–0 at TQL Stadium, with Sam Surridge scoring twice. Nashville SC had already secured the Supporters’ Shield and first place in the Eastern Conference.
Minnesota beat San Jose Earthquakes 3–1, with Tomás Chancalay scoring in the 57th minute. Minnesota’s result was not enough to secure a wild card spot.
Real Salt Lake clinches a playoff spot
Real Salt Lake beat LA Galaxy 2–1 at home and secured a playoff spot. Sergi Solans scored in less than 10 minutes, and Zach Booth added another three minutes later. Real Salt Lake will play the Sounders in the wild card match.
